Hanwell Ealing London

Images of Britain: Hanwell, London Borough of Ealing

Hanwell, London, England, UK. — Hanwell Clock Tower

Hanwell in the London Borough of Ealing in west London has long been a gateway to the city from the west.

It is the location of St Bernard's Hospital, also known as Hanwell Insane Asylum and the Hanwell Pauper and Lunatic Asylum. The asylum was built for the pauper insane and opened in 1831 as the First Middlesex County Asylum. Some of these original, historic buildings now form part of the headquarters of the West London Mental Health NHS Trust (WLMHT).

Historic churches in Hanwell include St. Mary's Church, a 19th century church by George Gilbert Scott, the Grade II listed St Thomas the Apostle church, completed in 1934, and St Mellitus Church, consecrated in 1910.

Wharncliffe Viaduct, Brent Meadow, London, UK. — Wharncliffe Viaduct, Brent Meadow

Other landmarks are the Wharncliffe Viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Hanwell Flight of Locks. The brick Wharncliffe Viaduct carries the Great Western Main Line across the Brent Valley between Hanwell and Southall. It is the first design of the great Victorian engineer Brunel and therefore of historical importance. It dates from 1837. Brunel's work on the Great Western Railway (GWR) revolutionized not just railway design in Britain but also railway construction all over the world. The viaduct contains four bat cave entrances and is named after Lord Wharncliffe who guided the GWR bill through Parliament. His coat of arms appears on the structure.

The Golden Chip, Hanwell, London, England, UK. — The Golden Chip

Hanwell Flight of Locks is a flight of six locks and an impressive feat of canal engineering that raises the Grand Union Canal by just over 53 feet (16.2 meters).

The popular Hanwell Zoo (formerly Brent Lodge Park Animal Centre) is home to Capybaras, Cranes, Flamingoes, Lemurs, Meerkats, Margays and Porcupines. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm, April to early September and from 10 am to 4 pm early September to March. The zoo began in 1975.

Elthorne Park, Ealing, London, UK. — Elthorne Park, Ealing, London; here areas of grass ideal for ball games

Elthorne Park and Brent River Park are two large areas of formal parks with more wilderness-like areas attached. They can be easily visited together and provide an oasis of green space and relaxation for strollers, joggers and dog walkers.

Hanwell Clock Tower dates from 1937. It commemorates the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother).

Finally, if you are looking for some of the best fish and chips in London head to The Golden Chip which has been in operation for well over a century.

The area is served by Hanwell Station on the Elizabeth Line.

Address: The Golden Chip, 33 Boston Road, London W7 3SH.